Michigan is known for many things, including our great lakes and accompanying sand dunes along the lakeshore. Farm Stand was born-and-raised in Michigan, so we know a thing or two about Michigan’s best sand dune hikes. Please note that some of these dune hikes are challenging, even for athletes, so pack plenty of snacks and stay hydrated. Don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishment with a cold can of Farm Stand Cider, or a Farm Stand seltzer. Cheers to discovering the natural beauty of Michigan!
Beautiful Michigan Sand Dune Hikes You’ll Have to See to Believe
Sleeping Bear Dunes
This National Lakeshore is a treasure. Between beaches, islands, 100 miles of hiking trails, and gorgeous views of the lakes shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago, the Sleeping Bear Dunes is a beautiful place for a day trip or a weekend away. The trails below are some of our favorites:
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (20 Mi. Trail, Easy)
Accessible for the whole family thanks to its mostly-paved path through the forest leading to the beach. Hiking the entire trail takes around 6 hours. This trail is accessible year-round and welcomes cross-country skiers, hikers, bikers, snowshoers, and birdwatchers.
Empire Bluff Trail (1.5 Mi. Trail, Easy – Moderate)
A path through beech & maple forests between wildflowers that lead to 400 ft. tall dunes and an overlook deck that provides breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the lakeshore extending for miles north and south. This hike can usually be done in under an hour.
Pyramid Point Trail (1 Mi. Trail, Moderate)
From farm fields to meadows and forests to high dune bluffs, the Pyramid Point Trail has it all. This steep hike usually takes about 30 minutes to complete. There are multiple different routes to take, each with its own picturesque view.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Four different trails that allow hikers and runners to explore the gorgeous beech tree forests and dunes that lead to Lake Michigan. The area of beach at the end of the hike tends to be less busy than other beaches in West Michigan, making it the perfect spot for a picnic or a nap in the sun. Plus, there’s a good chance of spotting white tail deer in the distance on your hike in the quieter hours. We suggest downloading a map to your phone, as there is no cell service once you start getting close to the beach.
Beach Trail (1.5 Mi. Trail, Easy)
This quick trail has its fair share of inclines and declines that lead you to the beach and Lake Michigan. It’s recommended to bring bug spray during the summer as the wooded portion of the hike tends to be a bit buggy.
North Trail (2.5 Mi. Trail, Moderate)
With a fair share of slow inclines and steep dunes, this trail offers a bit of difficulty for the average hiker with the same scenery offered by the Beach Trail.
Arcadia Dunes
Located in the C.S. Mott Nature Preserve in Manistee, the Arcadia Dunes are known for gorgeous wildflowers and over 20 trails. There is a handicap accessible trail to an overlook (Inspiration Point) with seating. This area is also known for its unique bird population. This helpful guide shows all of the birds that call this area ‘home’, as well as how to distinguish between them.
Overlook Trail (1 Mi. Trail, Easy)
This 22-minute hike (on average) takes visitors to a lookout that looks amazing in every season. The overlook trail is popular, so if you’d like some peace and quiet, pick an odd time of day to visit the trail.
Baldy Dune Loop (3.2 Mi. Trail, Moderate – Challenging)
Make your way to the top of Old Baldy, a dune 356ft above Lake Michigan, with this family-friendly hour hike. Visitors say that the hike through the woods is well worth the view of Lake Michigan at the end.
Dry Hills Trail Loop (8.9 Mi. Trail, Moderate)
This longer trail is popular among hikers, runners, and birdwatchers. There are many windy ups and downs, and quite a few mountain bikers love this trail as a result. Be sure to look and listen for bikers as you hike this trail.
Hoffmaster State Park
Get lost in the dunes. The P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon is full of great hikes. The 10 miles of trails are not marked well, so download a map and pay careful attention to the path you’re supposed to be taking towards your destination.
Dune Overlook Trail (.5 Mi. Trail, Easy)
While this trail is marked as “easy,” there are 220 steps to reach the overlook. There are benches along the way if you need a break. At the end of the trail, there are two observation areas that will allow you to view the shore of Lake Michigan and the dunes in the state park.
Homestead Trail (3 Mi. Trail, Moderate)
The family-friendly trail loop is great exercise for kids and adults. There are multiple climbs through the forested dune trail, but they can typically be handled by most ages. Some areas are paved, while others are not. There is an option to increase or decrease mileage as needed.
Michigan is a beautiful state full of forests, dunes, lakes, and creatures that require some hiking to behold. It may be difficult, but it’s well worth it. When you get to the top of the dunes, crack open your favorite can of Farm Stand Cider to sweeten the view even more. Please note that all of these hikes will involve going through sand, so if you don’t enjoy sand getting in your shoes, there may be other hikes that you’d enjoy more.
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